Tag Archives: comixtribe

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Civil_War_II_1_CoverWednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Paul

Top Pick: Civil War II #1 (Marvel) – Here it is!  The start of the next event that is going to split the hero community in half…again.  You would think they would have learned after the first throw down.  This time though, it isn’t registration that is looking to control the heroes and their actions; now we have an Inhuman who can see into the future…and there are those who think this can be used to prevent disastrous events.  Is the future written in stone?  Can you hold someone responsible for something they may do?  That’s what the Marvel Universe will be exploring and you can bet it’s going to get ugly.

A-Force #6 (Marvel) – It’s A-Force vs. Nico (under the control of the Countess).  Medusa has been skeptical about Nico’s powers from the start of this team…it’s going to be very interesting for her to find out first hand just what Sister Grimm can do.  I just hope A-Force survive the ordeal.  I’ve been a fan of this book since the start, and I am always excited when a new issue comes out.  It’s a great read with laughs, sass and action; who can ask for anything more?

Green Arrow: Rebirth #1 (DC) – Yeah yeah, here’s a DC title on my list.  I’ll be honest, I’m interested in this to see Black Canary and Green Arrow together again.  Yes, I know that is just the gimmick (as mentioned in previous articles) DC is using to get readers into this Rebirth.  Me, not being a regular to the DC universe, think this is a great time to jump in and see if it’s enough to make me consider making room for DC AND Marvel in my life.

Old Man Logan #7 (Marvel) – Logan is just looking to lay low and figure out his place in this new world he’s found himself in.  Too bad Lady Deathstrike and her Reavers have other plans.  I am really looking forward to seeing this showdown; this isn’t the Logan that Deathstrike is expecting to find…she may just get more then she bargained for.

 

Javier

Top Pick: Batman: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – It’s our first look with Tom King who is taking over writing duties from Scott Snyder.

Deadly Class #21 (Image Comics) – Summer finally is here, as freshmen finals end; but another freshman fails to make it to sophomore year.  Rick Remender’s depressive, but action filled, take on prep school assassination madness,continues to entertain.

The Goddamned #4 (Image Comics) – Another biblical inspired story. It focuses on a seemingly immortal and wandering Cain, after the fall; set in the period of the mythical Nephilim prior to the flood. Jason Aaron weaves yet another must-read grim proto-human story.

Saints #9 (Image Comics) – Another excellent maxi-series reaches its conclusion. The holy war (or unholy, depending on your opinion) ends, when the young and hipster Saints crew come face to face with the Archangel Michael and God.

Unfollow #8 (DC Vertigo) – This dark spin on social media continues, with more of the 140 dropping off, but a new follower enters the fray.

 

Anthony

Top Pick: Birth of Kitaro GN (Drawn & Quarterly) – Kitaro is one of the most beloved characters in Japan. Created by Shigeru Mizuki, the titular character encounters a wide variety of yokai (creatures from Japanese folklore) in stories that appeal to both those interested in Japanese folklore and mythology as well as funny, great, entertaining manga. Finally, the West gets the first of a planned series of volumes with a translation by Zack Davisson.

Civil War II #1 (Marvel) – Say what you will about events for Marvel, this one looks to be the first event to make an impact in the post Secret Wars universe. Issue #0 didn’t really set many things up but did show a not too pleasant looking future. It will be refreshing to hopefully continue to have the series’ perspective from the same characters from the introductory issue.

Moon Knight #3 (Marvel) – Jeff Lemire, Greg Smallwood and Jordie Bellaire have been hypnotizing the reader thus far with a mysterious, brooding tale of Marc Spector combatting both demons (or Gods) both in his mind and in the physical world. This series has picked up the reigns from the last run of ‘Moon Knight’ and continues to prove that the character is one of the most intriguing in the Marvel universe.

Paper Girls #6 (Image Comics) – The first five issues were a fun callback to the action/adventure movies of the 1980s. It will be interesting to see what is in store with this title as the time frame switches to 2016. Plus, it is pretty hard to pass on Brian K. Vaughan, Cliff Chiang’s gorgeous visuals and one of the best colourists in the game with Matt Wilson.

The Revisionist #1 (Aftershock Comics) – Frank J. Barbiere is back with another intriguing title that is sure to bring the wit and fun nature of past titles like ‘Five Ghosts’, alongside artist Garry Brown and colourist Lauren Affe. All it takes, beyond the creative team, to be sold on this book are three words: time-travelling assassin. Plus, Aftershock has been releasing some really fresh, outside the box kinds of titles.

 

Alex

Top Pick: 4001 A.D. #2 (Valiant) – I’m not going to lie – I’ve already read this. It’s my top pick because I can’t wait to see the artwork in printed form. So excited.

The Goddamned #4 (Image Comics) – It feels like an age since the third issue came out, and I hadn’t realized how much I missed reading Jason Aaron’s take on the time before Noah needed his Arc. Brutal, bloody, and probably offensive. I love it.

Moon Knight #3 (Marvel) – To be honest, this isn’t the best Moon Knight series I’ve ever read, but it’s far from the worst. With each issue getting a little better, I’m hopeful for the rest of the series.

Old Man Logan #7 (Marvel) – After the anticlimactic first arc, the old man’s second story arc is, so far at least, feeling a hell of a lot better. What’s more classic Wolvie feeling than having him face off against the Reavers?

Will Eisner’s The Spirit #11 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Speaking of things I love… this is arguably the best series being published right now featuring an urban based vigilante.

 

Brett

Top Pick: The Red Virgin & the Vision of Utopia (Dark Horse) – A portrait of revolutionary feminist Louise Michel, who took up arms against a French regime that executed thousands. Deported to a penal colony, Michel joined the cause of the indigenous population against colonial oppression. Is there a more “me” graphic novel? Been reading it, and it’s really interesting.

Chum #2 (Comixtribe) – The first issue was a great mix of surfing and noir. Take Jaws, minus the giant shark, and add a crime story to it, and you have this comic. So good and looking forward to seeing where it all goes.

Hellboy in Hell #10 (Dark Horse) – This is it. Hellboy transforms into what he was always meant to be as Mike Mignola wraps up this series.

Rough Riders #3 (Aftershock Comics) – FDR and his gang of historical figures are heading to Cuba. There’s something really fun about this alternate history comic that dives deep into real history to get things right. It’s entertaining and will get you to do some research too.

Superman: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – I loved the Superman: Lois and Clark miniseries and to see where and how this Superman fits into the Rebirth universe is going to be very interesting. That miniseries was filled with action, but also a lot of positivity. This issue serves as a fantastic end cap to that bridging the cap between that and what’s to come.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on by

Civil_War_II_0_CoverWednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Alex

Top Pick: Wrath Of the Eternal Warrior #7 (Valiant) – Has become one of my favourite monthly series from any publisher. While I doubt this issue will be as phenomenal as the last two, I have high hopes that it’ll still be one of the best comics released this week.

Haunted Mansion #3 (Marvel) – I enjoyed the first issue, but the reason I’m looking forward to this is because my wife, who typically doesn’t read comics, has found herself a big fan of the series. Anything I can get to encourage her to read more comics is always a good thing, and when she reminded me that this was out on Wednesday? I’ll be bringing it back from the shop for her no questions asked.

Judge Dredd #5 (IDW Publishing) – What’s happened to Mega City One? Why is Dredd in the far future? I have no idea, but I’m loving this series so I’m more than happy to stay along for the ride.

Old Man Logan #6 (Marvel) – After last issues reveal of Lady Deathstrike and her gang of merry misfits getting ready to hunt down Old Man Logan, I’m looking forward to something we haven’t seen in years: a Wolverine without a stupidly powerful healing factor taking on a bunch of savages.

Red Thorn #7 (Vertigo) – The final chapter in the first arc – I think – has me looking forward to what the creative team has in store for us. This isn’t typically the type of comic I’d read, and perhaps because of that I’ve found myself loving every page.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Civil War II #0 (Marvel) – LETS GET READY TO RUUUUMMMMBBLLLEEE!!  The heroes of the Marvel Universe are pitted once again against each other, divided by opinions that could have far reaching consequences.  The original Civil War story line was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Didn’t they learn from the last time?  I am very excited to see the start of this new story and I will be ringside with my popcorn!

Old Man Logan #6 (Marvel) – Deathstrike and the Reavers are back!  And they are out for Logan, and he doesn’t have a clue.  It’s really cool to see the Reavers again, a great throwback to the 90’s era of X-Men.  This book hasn’t disappointed, so I’m sure this will be a good issue.

Uncanny Avengers #9 (Marvel) – Admittedly, this has not been one of my favored titles.  But I like the idea of Ultron showing up with Hank Pym supposedly controlling him (or pulling the strings…see what I did there?)  Anyway, the idea is interesting so I’ll check it out.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Superman: American Alien #7 (DC Comics) – Max Landis’ miniseries that has explored Superman wraps up with this issue. Each one has been interesting so far and has focused on one aspect of Superman with the issues building upon each other. I’m interesting in seeing how this wraps up and where it goes.

Apocrypha Now (IDW Publishing/Top Shelf) – The follow up to God is Disappointed In You takes on the Midrash, the Apocrypha, Gnostic Gospels, and more! The first book was amazing and had me laughing out loud. I expect this to do the same.

Chum #1 (ComixTribe) – It’s a surf noir where everyone seems corrupt. I love these types of crime stories and this first issue has me interested in seeing where it goes.

Civil War II #0 (Marvel) – Marvel’s big event starts here (other than the Free Comic Book Day release). Should be interesting.

Future Quest #1 (DC Comics) –  DC has been leading up to the relaunch of their line of Hanna-Barbera comics and it starts here. This brings together a bunch of properties that feels like “Crisis with Infinite Hanna-Barbera Cartoons.” The first issue is definitely intriguing.

 

Review: Chum #1

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Chum #1 CoverAn unloved triangle on a small island leads to blood in the water. The series tells the story of Summer Stanwyck, a woman who feels trapped. She tends bar on the island she grew up on, the local cop is about to become her ex-husband, and she’s wasting time screwing the local reefer kingpin.

But when a bag full of cash and drugs falls into her lap, she sees a way out… and anyone who gets in her way is shark bait.

Written by Ryan K. Lindsay with art by Sami Kivela, Chum is an interesting new series from ComixTribe that immediately feels like a solid crime noir with a surf setting.

The surf noir reminds me of the line of crime comics Vertigo published a few years ago, and that’s beyond a good thing, because I loved those graphic novels.

While I definitely would rather read it all at once, the first issue is a solid start that has me wanting to come back for more and see where Lindsay takes it all. The characters are scummy. The crosses and manipulation is straight out of the noir playbook, and the setting is fresh. It’s a lot of fun in other words.

Kivela’s art is solid as well. Each character is unique in their look and design and have personality that you can read just by how they look. It’s some great art that looks fantastic and adds to the indie vibe cred.

The first issue is a must get for noir/crime comic fans and I can’t wait for the next issue.

Story: Ryan K. Lindsay Art: Sami Kivela
Story: 8.15 Art: 7.95 Overall: 8.1 Recommendation: Buy

ComixTribe provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

A New Nightmare from the Creators of And Then Emily Was Gone

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ComixTribe has announced that the creative team of it’s hit series And Then Emily Was Gone – writer John Lees, artist Iain Laurie, colorist Megan Wilson and letterer Colin Bell – have reunited for Quilte, a horror one-shot which will make its worldwide debut at Edinburgh Comic Con.

Quilte tells the story of Dr. Karla Quite, a revered psychologist who uses her unique gifts to treat patients afflicted with recurring nightmares. But when tasked with helping troubled young Adam Whitlock, her journey into his mind leaves her facing forces far more malevolent than bad dreams.

Edinburgh Comic Con will be taking place at The Exchange at EICC on April 2nd-3rd.

Quilte

Review: Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare

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stk693188The serial killer Oxymoron takes center stage in ComixTribe’s Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare, and it’s right where he wants to be. Writers Tyler James and John Lees pull no punches with the story, and Alex Cormack’s art makes the reader feel the weight of Oxymoron’s gruesome actions. Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare collects issues #1-4 of the comic of the same name.

Though Oxymoron was first a character in James’ The Red Ten, this story stands well on its own and doesn’t force the reader to work too hard to figure out the villain. Oxymoron’s character has all the showiness and brutal tendencies of Heath Ledger’s Joker, but with more restraint and a hard R rating. This particular arc doesn’t delve into Oxymoron’s past and decidedly focuses on the events at hand, though a little more insight to the character would certainly be interesting. However, the plot survives well without it, and consequently isn’t bogged down by backstory. 

The first pages of this arc introduce Mary Clark, a Swanstown police with a shot of her lying on the ground next to a man who has been shot in the head. The story immediately jumps ahead six months to Mary’s return to the force, but doesn’t get any less brutal in the coming chapters. Readers only get glimpses of Mary outside of her life at the S.P.D., and part of the fun and suspense of the comic is trying to figure out not only Oxymoron’s next move, but Mary’s, as well.

The Loveliest Nightmare has all the blood and guts of a slasher and all the slow reveal of a good psychological horror story. The pacing plays up the psychological aspect, and the tension doesn’t slow its build until the climax, resulting in a story that leaves the reader guessing until the very last panel. It might be beneficial to read with a stress ball in hand.

There are two elements to this comic that really distance The Loveliest Nightmare from nearing the realm of “Joker copycat.” Firstly, Oxymoron recognizes and often states that he is a terrible person doing terrible things. While this is glaringly obvious to Mary, the people he has murdered, and hopefully the reader, it serves as a built-in criticism of this type of character that isn’t always present in other stories. Secondly, the story prioritizes ordinary people as the heroes. James and Lees make an effort to include different types of characters who don’t normally see much narrative space in Mary and Deborah (a disabled woman of color and a lesbian, respectively).

Cormack does a great job of bringing every vicious detail of the story into reality. Oxymoron himself is creepy and sinister, with a terrifying and omnipresent grin that may take clown phobias to a new level. Cormack’s dynamic illustrations will haunt readers indefinitely–or at least until the comic returns with a new and equally twisted arc.

Story: Tyler James and John Lees Art: Alex Cormack
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Read 

ComixTribe provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

ComixTribe in April 2016… There’s blood in the water

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CHUM #1

Story: Ryan K Lindsay
Art: Sami Kivela
Colors: Mark Dale
Cover A: Sami Kivela
Cover B: Vic Malhotra
August / 32 Pages / FC / MR / $3.99
DIAMOND ID: FEB161340

Summer Stanwyck is trapped. She tends bar on the island she grew up on, the local cop is about to become her ex-husband, and she’s wasting time screwing the local reefer kingpin. But when a bag full of cash and drugs appears, she sees a way out… and anyone who gets in her way is shark bait.

CHUM is “Pulp Fiction on the sand,” a surf noir story straight off the drugstore paperback rack that will ruin your faith in people, from Sami Kivela [artist on Zenescope’s REALM WAR] and Ryan K Lindsay [the writer of Dark Horse’s NEGATIVE SPACE].

Featuring covers by Sami Kivela (E is for Extinction) and a rare variant by Vic Malhotra (Roche Limit), CHUM is a surf noir story straight off the drugstore paperback rack that will ruin your faith in people, and keep you away from the water.

CHUM #1

CHUM, a new Surf Noir series from Ryan K Lindsay, Sami Kivela, and ComixTribe Announced!

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ComixTribe announced today the upcoming release of CHUM, a new monthly mini-series debuting in April. Writer Ryan K Lindsay has joined forces with Sami Kivela to tell a surf noir story straight off the drugstore paperback rack that will ruin your faith in people, and keep you away from the water.

An unloved triangle on a small island leads to blood in the water. The series tells the story of Summer Stanwyck, a woman who feels trapped. She tends bar on the island she grew up on, the local cop is about to become her ex-husband, and she’s wasting time screwing the local reefer kingpin.

But when a bag full of cash and drugs falls into her lap, she sees a way out… and anyone who gets in her way is shark bait.

Each issue of the series features a standard cover by Sami Kivela and a limited variant cover by industry stars and upcoming talent.

This series is the second collaboration between Lindsay and Kivela, who made waves last year with the successful Deer Editor digital-only Kickstarter campaign.

The series will be released April 2016.

ComixTribe Teases a New Series. There’s blood in the water…

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ComixTribe is throwing some chum in the waters as they tease a new comic series they’ll be announcing this coming Monday.

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 6/12

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Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.

Alex

Bigfoot_SOTE_1-1Big Foot: Sword Of The Earthman #1 is a brilliant mix of John Carter and the typical Sasquatch myth. It’s a fun read, but I’m expecting more out of the series as it progresses. Overall Rating: 7 Recommendation: Read

Cage Hero #1 is becoming a guilty pleasure. Despite an outlandish concept (even for comics), it’s an entertaining story that lets you turn your brain off for five minutes. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Daredevil #1* is probably the best Daredevil comic I’ve read in years… but then that’s not saying much. Regardless, this opening chapter is well worth checking out, and shows plenty of promise. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read

Finally, the story in Dead Vengeance #3 has caught up to the current events. This issue was the weakest of the three so far, but more so because it’s bridging the bulk of the story so far with what’s coming next. Worth reading if you’re reading the series, otherwise ignore it and waiting for the trade if you’re interested. Overall 7 Recommendation: Read now, or Read the trade later.

Doc Savage: The Spider’s Web #1. It’s okay. Nothing overly special, but not particularly bad, either. Overall: 6.75 Recommendation: Maybe read it if it interests you.

Extraordinary X-Men #2* & #3* Due to a slight snafu with my LCS order, I Extraordinary_X-Men_Vol_1_2only recently picked up issue 2 of this series, but it was worth the wait. The scenes in issue #3 between Old Man Logan were interesting, although I expected him to be past that particular  issue, I still enjoyed watching them talk. I can sense the relationship between these two morph into a father/daughter vibe, much like Wolverine had with Kitty Pride or Jubilee. Keep your eye on this series. Overall Rating (Both): 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Seduction of the Innocent #1 is a crime comic in the vein of those before the Comics Code Authority came to pass, something the name of the comic (taken from Fredric Wertham’s book of the same name) pays homage too. As a comic it’s interesting, and it’s worth keeping an eye on the series as it progresses if you’re looking for a well written, well drawn non super hero comic. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Elana

All New Wolverine #2* continues to be Marvel’s best title. Laura kicks ass while continually demonstrating her humanity in the face of monstrous abuses of power. The clones are as heartbreaking as they need to be. I can’t wait for more with the classic villain reveal at the end. Overall 9. Recommendation: Buy

Daredevil_1_CoverDaredevil #1. It feels like a return to form. A return to Miller and Mazzucchelli groundbreaking work with the character decades ago. Quality stuff but I’m not sure what new there is to offer. The bad guy seems like an Orientalist stereotype but I’m excited by Daredevil’s new side kick, Samuel Chung aka Blindspot. He’s an undocumented immigrant and I love the idea of teasing that metaphor out– he’s literally an invisible man. That’s his power.

I’m giving this a 7 but I could easily see it getting better with time. Recommendation: Read

Papergirls #3. Keeps getting spiraling out at getting more complex. But in a good way. It remains addictive and I adore the characters. Another smash hit from Vaughn and Chang. I kinda expect it to get film optioned since 80s period pieces are such a thing and so far I can see that really working. Colorist Matt Wilson should get an Eisner for his work here. Overall 9.25 Recommendation: Buy

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.

Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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JR2_CoverB_VariantWednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Alex

Top Pick: Howard the Duck #1 (Marvel) – Chip Zdarsky is putting out one of the most entertaining Marvel comics around with Howard the Duck. My top pick was a tough decision between this and Johnny Red #2, and that’s honestly a good problem to have.

Bigfoot: Sword Of The Earthman #1 (Action Lab Entertainment) – This looks like a mix of John Carter, Gladiator and Bigfoot. Which sounds amazing.

Extraordinary X-Men #3 (Marvel) – I actually never read issue #2 due a slight snafu with Diamond not delivering it to my LCS, so I’ll be getting two issues to read on Wednesday, and based on the buzz I’ve heard about #2, I’m excited for #3 as well.

Johnny Red #2 (Titan Comics) – This Garth Ennis penned series came out of nowhere last month to be one of the best comics I ended up reading with it’s tale of a Second World War British fighter pilot facing off against the Nazi’s in Russia. I can’t wait to get my hands on this issue.

Seduction Of The Innocent #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – looks like an old school crime comic with some modern flair. My fancy is tickled.

 

Ash

Top Pick: Spidey #1 (Marvel) – As a huge Spider-Man fan I am always excited and interested in new titles, and this is no different. A fresh take on a young web-head…well it has been done before (Ultimate Spider-Man anyone?) but you know I am really excited by this new take. It promises to be fun, action packed and completely modern (#Spidey?). The artwork is bold, bright and as fresh as the plotline promises to be. For any true-believers out there, this is an issue not to be missed!

 

Brett

Top Pick: The Private Eye Deluxe Edition (Image Comics) – It’s actually a tough week for choices and I could easily do a top twenty myself, but I have to go with the Private Eye as my top pick. First, there’s a good chance you missed this when it was first released as a digital comic. Second, it’s by Brian K. Vaughan and Marcos Martin. Third, it’s fantastic. Fourth, this series was launched as a pay what you want directly from Vaughan, and is a solid example of disrupting the system successfully, so much so it’s in print. So, pick this up in print, or go and grab it digitally. Just make sure to read it.

Carver: A Paris Story #1 (Z2 Comics) – Z2 has been putting out solid books regularly and this new series has a nice throwback to 70s European action films. There’s lots of cliches, but that’s partially what makes it all really fun. This should be creator Chris Hunt’s break out series. Do yourself a favor and give it a look.

Johnny Red #2 (Titan Comics) – Did you read the first issue? If so, that should be reason enough as to why this is on the list. Writer Garth Ennis is taking on the classic character and doing so in a brilliant way. Just completely caught me off guard int he quality, because holy crap it’s good.

Sheriff of Babylon #1 (Vertigo) – I did an early review of the issue and it’s not what I thought it’d be. At its heart, Sheriff of Babylon is a crime comic set in a warzone. What’s really impressive and fascinating is writer Tom King’s use of his real life experiences.

X’Ed #1 (Black Mask Studios) – It’d be easy to just call this Inception the comic, but there’s much more going on here than a trippy dive in to someone’s mind. The comic has some really interesting twists and turns in the first issue that kept me on my toes, and that ending is rather intriguing. Black Mask Studios has had a string of hits and I expect this to be their next.

 

Elana

Cyborg #5 (DC Comics) – Writer David F Walker is doing something significant in sci-fi with this comic. It’s a superhero series about race. I’m a huge supporter of where he’s going with this. Listen to our interview with him a few weeks back.

Gotham Academy #12 (DC Comics) – This is one of my favorite comics and I feel like its been going under the radar. Amazingly written, a diverse group of kids, art that can be both adorable and haunting as needed. I don’t even catch all of the easter eggs and references to Batman lore from ages past but that doesn’t matter.  The school is haunted both literally and metaphorically and it’s impossible to not be invested in these stories. This is the last issue of a wonderful arc.

The Humans #10 / Image Firsts The Humans #1 (Image Comics) – If you’ve been reading this kickass 1970-biker-apesploitation series then you need issue 10, the culmination of the first miniseries. This month Image Comics is also reissuing number 1 so tell the fresh meat there’s something they need to buy for good times and cheap thrills. This comic feels like an ultra-violent 1970s underground comic, it comes with it’s own online soundtrack and the art is freaking flawless. Still not convinced? Here’s my review of the first part of the series.

Papergirls #3 (Image Comics) –  This is the new Saga: very friendly to non-comics readers, totally enchanting, breathlessly exciting and full of amazing female characters. Read J9s review of issue 2. Boy, that was a “heart in your throat” cliff hanger at the end of the last issue!

Space Riders TP Vol. 1 (Black Mask Studios) – It feels like 70’s Jack Kirby filtered through many levels of Heavy Metal Magazine (think Moebius, Druillet). Only more underground and loose. A bit of a space western with a Jodorowsky-ish flying skull ship! A more Red Sonja-ish Gamora. Christy Karacas (creator of the cartoon Super Jail) levels of choas and scribble. If my description makes sense to you then you’ll probably like this. If my description doesn’t make sense to you, and you are ok with that, you may like it too. “I like my coffee like I like my space: black and infinite”- Capitan Peligro.

 

Thomas

Top Pick: Robin War #1 (DC Comics) – Perfectly timed for the winter season, DC Comics is running a small event that crosses over the various Robin titles, bookended by these one-shots. Previews and solicits make this event look like it could be a lot of fun, so it’s a definite must-read!

All-New X-Men #1 (Marvel) – Continuing Marvel’s All-New All-Different launches, this gives Dennis Hopeless the chance to write young superheroes once again. The All-New X-Men – minus Jean Grey, but with Kid Apocalypse and Idie added to their ranks – are headed for a road-trip to decide their role in the future of the Marvel Universe. All-New X-Men may not be set to headline the X-Men range as it did under Brian Bendis, but it still looks set to be one of the most fun comics out there.

Exit Generation #3 (ComixTribe) – Sam Read and Caio Oliveira have been producing an unusual but fantastic series, steeped in sci-fi and with an admirable sense of style. Independent comics don’t often get the attention they deserve, and this series is one that deserves a lot of attention!

Invincible Iron Man #4 (Marvel) – One of the strangest shifts in All-New All-Different Marvel is a change in Mary-Jane Watson’s status quo. She’s going from a member of Spider-Man’s supporting cast to a member of Iron Man’s supporting cast, and this is the issue that kicks that off. It’s going to be fascinating to see how (not to mention why) Brian Bendis pulls this off…

Spider-Gwen: Most Wanted Trade Paperback (Marvel) – The first Spider-Gwen series (shorted to a miniseries due to Secret Wars) was tremendously popular, and this is the chance to collect it as a trade paperback! Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez pull off a tremendously fun story with energy and verve, and this book is sure to impress anyone who didn’t pick up the original issues.

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